204-00-1

Suspension System

204-00-1

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

Ball Joint Lower, 4WD

3.

Special Tool(s)

NOTE: The wheel speed sensor connectors are

located in the engine compartment and are
secured to the fender aprons.
Disconnect the wheel speed sensor connector.

Installer/Remover C-Frame and

Screw
211-023 (T74P-3044-A1)

Remover, Front Wheel Hub

205-D070 (D93P-1175-B) or
equivalent

Remover, Steering Arm

211-003 (T64P-3590-F)

4.

Remove the wheel and tire assembly. For

additional information, refer to Wheel and Tire
Front in this section.

5.

Detach the harness from the retainers.

Material
Item
Silicone Gasket and
Sealant
F7AZ-19554-EA

Specification
WSE-M4G323-A4

Removal and Installation

1.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a

hoist. For additional information, refer to
Section 100-00.

2.

Remove and discard the nut.

Copyright 2002, Ford Motor Company

Last updated: 1/29/2004

2003 Explorer/Mountaineer, 9/2002

204-00-2

Suspension System

204-00-2

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

6.

CAUTION: Do not allow the disc

brake caliper to hang suspended from the
brake hose. Provide a suitable support.
Remove the bolts and position the brake caliper
and support bracket aside.

7.

8.

9.

Remove and discard the cotter pin and the

castellated nut.

10.

CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to

separate the tie-rod from the wheel knuckle
or damage to the wheel knuckle will result.

Remove the brake disc.

CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to

separate the outboard CV joint from the
hub. Damage to the threads and internal CV
joint components can result.

CAUTION: Do not damage the tie-rod

boot when installing the special tool.
Using the special tool, separate the tie-rod from
the wheel knuckle.

Using the special tool, press the outboard CV

joint until it is loose in the hub.

2003 Explorer/Mountaineer, 9/2002

204-00-3

Suspension System

204-00-3

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

11. Remove and discard the cotter pin and the
castellated nut.

14.

CAUTION: Secure the front axle shaft

to prevent the CV joint and boots from
overextending. Failure to do so can cause
damage to the CV joint and boots.
CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to
separate the ball joint from the wheel
knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle will
result.
CAUTION: Do not damage the ball
joint when installing the special tool.
Using the special tool, separate the upper ball
joint from the wheel knuckle.

12.

CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to

separate the ball joint from the wheel
knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle will
result.
Using the special tool, separate the lower ball
joint from the wheel knuckle. Reinstall and
hand-tighten the lower ball joint castellated nut.

15. Remove the hand-tightened lower ball joint

castellated nut and remove the wheel knuckle.
16. Remove the snap ring from the ball joint.
Discard the snap ring.

13. Remove and discard the upper ball joint nut.

2003 Explorer/Mountaineer, 9/2002

204-00-4

Suspension System

204-00-4

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

17. Using a suitable ball joint remover tool, remove
the ball joint.

18.

CAUTION: Do not damage the ball

joint boot when installing the special tool.
NOTE: Apply a thin coat of silicone sealant to
the wheel hub mounting surfaces before
installation.
NOTE: Clean and inspect the control arm ball
joint bore for damage before installing a new
ball joint.
NOTE: Make sure the new ball joint snap ring
is fully seated.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Always install new castellated nuts and

cotter pins.

2003 Explorer/Mountaineer, 9/2002